The Fault Between Us By Stephanie Landsem-Christian Historical Fiction Review

 Book Synopsis

In this gripping new work of historical fiction from the award-winning author of Code Name Edelweiss, three sisters fight for their lives and for each other amid the danger of a cataclysmic earthquake that rips Yellowstone National Park asunder.

1959. Claire, Bridget, and Frannie Reilly were once as close as sisters can be. Though their mother left when they were young, their loving father raised them with everything they could want. But when Claire marries a handsome cowboy and settles out west, a thousand miles away, the sisters’ strong bond begins to unravel.

Claire struggles to adjust to a life utterly unlike her upbringing, and surprising revelations about her husband’s past make her wonder if she’s made a terrible mistake. With a new baby and a shoestring budget, the last thing she needs is her family’s interference.

Sensing something isn’t right, Bridget takes a temporary nursing assignment in Yellowstone, promising her father she’ll bring Claire home―with or without her husband. When Frannie, the rebellious youngest sister, is sent along in hopes it will corral her behavior, the Reilly sisters reunite on the eve of a seismic event that rips Yellowstone apart, tests their survival, and exposes the ever-widening rift in their relationship.

Based on real events of the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake and inspired by true stories, The Fault Between Us is a suspenseful exploration of the bonds of sisterhood, the depths of family drama, and how hidden wounds can only heal when they’re brought into the light.

• Christian historical fiction based on fascinating historical events
• Perfect for fans of Cathy Gohlke or Susan Meissner
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Book Details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DYYM2Q8F
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tyndale Fiction
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 4, 2025
• Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8400502057
• ***I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required, and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

• 
  

My Review 

I couldn't wait to dive into The Fault Between Us. I've been to Hebgen Lake in Yellowstone National Park, where the 1959 earthquake hit. It's an overwhelming sight. I picked the book up that morning, and by 4 a.m., I'd turned the last page. I couldn't quit reading because it was so compelling. The writing is heartfelt and authentic, and flows so beautifully.

The story is of three sisters whose mother abandoned them, and they were raised by a serious and overprotective father. Each girl carries scars from that, in her own way.  I grew to love them all. I was whisked away and totally absorbed into Claire, Bridget, and Frannie's lives. 

The most heart-stopping moments were during and in the aftermath of the earthquake. The devastation was felt as the tragedies happened. The whole experience was mind-blowing, seeing how many lives were spared when it could have been so much more devastating and so sad for the 28 lives that were lost.

I liked how each sister found themselves in dire straits, but each of their stories was told to show personal growth. I promise that you will be so immersed in this story that you'll not be able to put it down. I left many details out so you can enjoy the story on your own. The Fault Between Us will be one of my favorite reads of 2026. I will absolutely be reading more books from Author Stephanie Landsem.

****Meet Author Stephanie Landsem ****

Stephanie Landsem writes historical fiction for women, about women. Her newest novel, Code Name Edelweiss, is based on a true story: how a lone Jewish lawyer and his band of amateur spies discovered and foiled Hitler's plan to take over Hollywood.

Sign up for Stephanie's newsletter for history, book reviews, faith, cat pics, and a chance to win a book every month. Copy URL into browser: http://eepurl.com/vtYXb or go to StephanieLandsem.com

~*~*~*~*Purchase The Fault Between Us ~*~*~*~*

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The Women of Oak Ridge By Michelle Shocklee--Historical Christian Fiction Review

 

Book Synopsis

In the hills of Tennessee, two women work at a Manhattan Project site during World War II and uncover truths that irrevocably change their lives in this captivating new story from award-winning Southern fiction author Michelle Shocklee.

1944. Maebelle Willett arrives in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, eager to begin her new government job and send money home to her impoverished family. She knows little about the work she will be doing, but she’s told it will help America win the war. Not all is what it seems, however. Though Oak Ridge employees are forbidden from discussing their jobs, Mae’s roommate begins sharing disturbing information, then disappears without a trace. Mae desperately attempts to find her but instead comes face-to-face with a life-altering revelation—one that comes at significant cost.

1979. Laurel Willett is a graduate student in Boston when she learns about the history of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where thousands unknowingly worked on the atomic bomb. Intrigued because she knows her Aunt Mae was employed there, Laurel decides to spend the summer with her aunt, hoping to add a family connection to her thesis research. But Mae adamantly refuses to talk about her time in the Secret City. Mae’s friends, however, offer to share their experiences, propelling Laurel on her path to uncovering the truth about a missing woman. As Laurel works to put the pieces together, the hidden pain and guilt Mae has tried so hard to bury comes to light . . . with potentially disastrous consequences.

Standalone Southern historical fiction great for fans of Lisa Wingate, Donna Everhart, and Lynn Austin. A compelling dual-timeline novel set during WWII and the 1970s about the weight of secrets and the power of forgiveness. Includes discussion questions for book groups

Book Details

• 
  Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tyndale Fiction
• Genre : Christian Historical Fiction
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 9, 2025
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496484223

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

• 
  

My Review

The Women of Oak Ridge tells a great dual timeline story across 1944 and 1979. It centers on Oak Ridge, Tennessee. A secret Manhattan Project base there made uranium for atomic bombs in World War II. Workers and residents knew little about the true work. All operations ran under strict secrecy.

In 1944, young Maebelle Willett steps up for her country during the war. She takes a job at Oak Ridge and sends her wages home to her family, barely surviving in a mining town. Naive Mae stumbles into a wild mess. Her roommate Sissy goes missing, secret files turn up, blackmail occurs, and spies close in, only adding to the danger. Mae's choices left me baffled, wondering what I would have done in her shoes.

By 1979, Mae lives alone as an older woman, still in Oak Ridge. Her niece, Laurel, visits her aunt as she is working on her dissertation on the happenings that took place in Oak Ridge. Laurel investigates how workers from 1944 felt once they learned their role in the bomb. Mae will not share anything about her past. Laurel senses her aunt holds deep fears and hidden truths about that time in her life.

The history was interesting as I didn't know much about this town or the Manhattan Project. Not much happens at first, then events turn exciting in the middle when several mysterious events occur. There were good transitions between the two timelines. I was surprised by the ending and how things were resolved. There is a lot of tension and mystery that unfold in both eras. This novel makes me want to learn more about this part of WWII and the Manhattan Project.

****Meet Author Michelle Shocklee****

Michelle Shocklee is the author of several historical novels including ALL WE THOUGHT WE KNEW, the 2025 Christy Award Book of the Year; APPALACHIAN SONG, a 2024 Christy Award Finalist; COUNT THE NIGHTS BY STARS, winner of the 2023 Christianity Today Book Award in Fiction; and UNDER THE TULIP TREE, a Christy Award & Selah Award finalist. As a woman of mixed heritage--her father's family is Hispanic and her mother's roots go back to Germany--she has always celebrated diversity and feels it's important to see the world through the eyes of one another. Learning from the past and changing the future is why she writes historical fiction. With both her sons grown and happily married, Michelle and her husband make their home in Tennessee. She loves to hear from readers, so please connect with her at: www.MichelleShocklee. com

~*~*~*~*Purchase The Women of Oak Ridge ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

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TRACK OF COURAGE by Susan May Warren-Christian Romantic Suspense Review

TRACK OF COURAGE

by Susan May Warren

January 5 - 16, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

CALL OF THE WILD

 

A hijacked plane. A pursuing killer. And a K9's instinct to help them make it out alive.

Pop singer Keely Williams's search for her biological mother in Alaska has been painfully unsuccessful. Now she just wants to escape this wild frontier and never look back. But when her plane is hijacked, she's suddenly plunged into a race against not only an Alaskan blizzard but also a killer who's on her tail.

After a career-ending injury, ex-cop Dawson Mulligan has only one friend--Caspian, the stray dog he adopted. Dawson just wants to figure out how to get his life on track, but during a flight home to Copper Mountain, he spots a downed plane and stops to help. Except, when his not-a-rescue dog runs off into the woods and discovers the trail of a missing survivor, it's up to the former cop to stage a rescue.

But Dawson has no idea he's being pulled into a deadly pursuit, or that Caspian is more than he seems. There might be redemption and second chances waiting for both Dawson and Keely if they have the courage to face their wounded pasts and fight for their future.

Join master storyteller Susan May Warren for a propulsive ride through the Alaskan wilderness, where love might be the riskiest--and most rewarding--adventure of all.

Prepare to experience edge-of-your-seat action combined with heart-stirring romance and heroic K9 companions in this exhilarating romantic suspense that will thrill fans of Lynette Eason and Elizabeth Goddard.

Book Details:

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense Thriller
Published by: Revell
Publication Date: January 6, 2026
Number of Pages: 320 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780800746056 (ISBN10: 0800746058) Pbk
Series: Call of the Wild, #1
Book Links: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub | ChristianBook | Baker Book House

    ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.**** 

My Review

Track of Courage packs one adventure after another in this gripping romantic suspense novel. At 315 pages, I devoured it in just one day.

Pop star Keely Williams heads to Alaska to find her birth mother, but it ends in disappointment. Dawson Mulligan heals from a knee injury that might end his law enforcement career. Their worlds collide when hijackers seize Keely's plane, crashing it, and the pilot dies.  Now a target's on her back for what she saw. Keely flees through Alaska's icy wilds like hunted prey, with the hijackers hot on her tail.

Dawson, flying home with his cousin, spots the wreck, lands, and rescues Keely because of his dog's tracking skills. He protects her along with his dog, Caspian, at his side. Truth is, Caspian often steals the spotlight. So does Wren, the sweet girl they meet in the Woodcrest village. Warren builds characters so well that you bond with them quickly.

Her writing is so immersive; her words paint vivid details. You feel the icy Alaskan chill and crunching snow. The story races along, perfect for all the tension. Amid the chase blooms a romance between two guarded souls. They open up, trust again, and fall in love. Faith weaves in gently, as both see they need God.

Track of Courage kicks off the Call of the Wild series. Warren's fans will spot old friends here. She nailed this one, so I'll grab more of her work. I adored the book and its themes of family, community, faith, loyalty, and love. The endless thrills hook you, stir deep feelings, and leave you craving for an Alaska trip.

Read an excerpt from TRACK OF COURAGE:

 

 

Author Bio:

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of nearly 100 novels with more than 1.5 million books sold, including the Global Search and Rescue and Montana Rescue series. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous Readers' Choice Awards, Susan makes her home in Minnesota.

Catch Up With Susan May Warren:

SusanMayWarren.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads - @SusanMayWarren
BookBub - @SusanMayWarren
Instagram - @SusanMayWarren
X - @SusanMayWarren
Facebook - @SusanMayWarrenFiction
YouTube - @SusanMayWarrenFiction

 

Tour Participants:

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Click here to view the TRACK OF COURAGE Tour Schedule

 

 

 

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A Fortunate Miscalculation By Karen Thornell-Historical Fiction Review

 Book Synopsis

Part One of: The Gentlemen's Gamble (6 books)

A wager. An inconvenient love. A fortunate miscalculation that changes everything.

Andrew Langford is an honorable man. So it is deeply inconvenient when Sophie Renard, the woman he loved, appears at his door on the very day he’s reminded of a youthful wager that will cost the last unwed man a small fortune. She is beautiful, desperate, and, Andrew believes, married.

Sophie came to London for a prestigious mathematics position that she’s worked toward for six years. But after the promised job is withdrawn, she faces humiliating failure unless she can persuade her employer to reconsider. With no one else to turn to, she seeks help from her old friend, Andrew.

Andrew offers assistance where he can, determined to be nothing more than a friend. But proximity rekindles old feelings neither of them can afford, and Sophie’s charm and brilliance remind him why he once fell for her. As secrets unravel and the future threatens to pull them apart for a second time, they both must decide what they are willing to risk for love.

Book Details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GCGXCCCD
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 5, 2026
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 233 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8278383345

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

THE GENTLEMEN'S GAMBLE SERIES

"One Woman, One Wager, One Chance"

A Fortunate Miscalculation hooked me right from the start. I adored this sweet love story with the friends-to-lovers trope. That's my top pick every time. It kicks off a fresh series called The Gentlemen's Gamble. I'm thrilled about it. Each book opens with a prologue on how the big wager began.

Karen Thornell is a spectacular romance writer. The way you see Andrew and Sophie reconnecting and growing closer made me never want to put this book down. They both are such wonderful characters. Childhood friends who grew up together were torn apart by individual circumstances. Andrew has always loved Sophie, so when they meet up many years later, Andrew can't help but be drawn to her and help her in any way he can.

Sophie stands out in her time. She's smart, loves books, and dreams of science fame. Strong women in Regency romances thrill me. Her parents hated that she didn't act like a lady and a socialite. They preferred her mild sisters who wed and had children. I hated how they treated her. At the same time, it was almost magical the way that Andrew treated her like a Queen. Even though their renewed relationship had a rocky start, it was a joyful experience.

Andrew makes the ideal hero. A real gent through and through. Life tests him too, but he stands by Sophie. He backs her up against her biased boss and horrible parents.

I flew through the pages, and I'd read it again in a heartbeat. It's that fun. I can't wait for more in the series. Who loses the bet? Who weds last among the pals? I'll grab every Karen Thornell book for a sure win.

****Meet Author Karen Thornell****

Karen Thornell grew up reading when she should have been sleeping, but it wasn't until 2019 that she started writing. Tired of ending books and saying 'goodbye' to beloved characters, she wondered what it would be like to have her own characters that lived in her head always. It was probably a mark of sleep deprivation that she wanted people living in her head, but the idea was planted regardless.

Karen lives in Utah with her husband and kids. When not writing contemporary or regency romance, she spends her free time doing endless loads of laundry, playing board games, and, yes, talking to those characters in her head.

You can connect with Karen on Instagram, Facebook, or on her site at www.karenthornell.com

~*~*~*~*Purchase A Fortunate Miscalculation  ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

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Kindle-https://a.co/d/hCMMJnt

Mayhem on the Marzipan Express (A Claire Walker Mystery) By Rebecca Connolly-A Cozy Culinary Mystery Review

 Book Synopsis

A romantic getaway turns deadly when a passenger on the train is murdered—and a famous chef is the prime suspect.

Amateur baker and part-time sleuth Claire Walker is looking forward to a vacation with her boyfriend, Jonathan Ainsley. The happy couple boards the famed Scottish train, the Mallaig Steam Express—temporarily renamed “The Marzipan Express” in honor of chef Alan Gables, who is hosting an exclusive culinary experience for his most devoted fans.

The trip has barely begun when Claire and Jonny discover a dead body, and though it appears to be an accident, Claire can sense something is wrong as easily as she can sense an overbaked soufflé. All clues point to Alan as the culprit: He doesn’t have an alibi, his assistant is oddly nervous around him, and a shadowy figure keeps appearing at all the wrong times. Is someone from Alan’s past trying to frame him? Or could Alan be trying to cover his tracks?

Claire had hoped for a delicious, romantic getaway, not investigating a mysterious death while stress-eating trifle in the kitchen car and trying to not be jealous of a magazine reporter who is flirting with Jonny. It’s mayhem in more ways than one.

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shadow Mountain Publishing
• Genre: Cozy Culinary Mysteries
• Series : A Claire Walker Mystery
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 6, 2026
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639935002

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

• 
  

My Review

A Claire Walker Mystery always delivers a fun read. I liked this one even better than the first. Lately, I've said that about lots of second books. Mayhem on the Marzipan Express kept me hooked. It reminded me of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, yet with a Baker's touch. 

"A romantic getaway turns deadly when a passenger on the train is murdered—and a famous chef is the prime suspect."

Claire returns as the charming, down-to-earth amateur baker and an ex-contestant from Britain’s Battle of the Bakers. She and her handsome Viscount boyfriend, Jonny, join judge Alan Gables on the famed Scottish Mallaig Steam Express, with a name change for this event: Marzipan Express. It's for the chef's special food event with top fans. Claire is there for a romantic getaway with Jonny and to serve as Alan's sous chef.

Things go smoothly until the first body drops. Will it be the only one?  Claire and Jonny turn detectives again, but Alan Gables emerges as the key suspect. They all work together to figure out who is really behind the attack. 

Side note: The author writes in the preface, "And to David Tennant, who is the only person who could ever be Alan Gables in my head or in any adaptation. You hear that, executives? ONLY DAVID TENNANT. David, are you listening?" I adore David T. He was my favorite Doctor on Doctor Who. After reading that, I pictured David as Alan and heard his voice in every line.

Are you a fan of cozy mysteries, sweet romance, baking contests, plot twists, and tasty food?  You'll want to grab this book and series.  It includes recipes for all the dishes Claire and Alan cooked on the train. I plan to bake a few soon.

****Meet Author Rebecca Connolly ****

Rebecca Connolly is the author of more than three dozen novels. She calls herself a Midwest girl, having lived in Ohio and Indiana. She's always been a bookworm, and her grandma would send her books almost every month so she would never run out. Book Fairs were her carnival, and libraries are her happy place. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She received a master's degree from West Virginia University, and is a hot cocoa addict.

~*~*~*~*Purchase Mayhem on the Marzipan Express  ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

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